Military Liaison
photo: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2026
As Sovereign and Head of State, King Charles III is the Head of the Armed Forces and, as The King’s representative, the Lord-Lieutenant maintains a close relationship with the military stationed in Oxfordshire. She attends military briefings given to the serving military, the Reserve Forces and the cadets in Oxfordshire on behalf of The Crown.
The Lord-Lieutenant makes regular visits to the stations and garrisons that are within the county, attending events, taking the salute during parades, inspecting the troops and also presenting awards to personnel from the Reserve Forces for exceptional service.
Repatriations
The bodies of service personnel who have died overseas are repatriated to the UK at RAF Brize Norton. A ceremony is held at RAF Brize Norton before the bodies are taken to the coroner at The John Radcliffe Hospital.
Members of the Lieutenancy are present at repatriations at RAF Brize Norton and often also at The John Radcliffe Hospital to show their respects.
Sir Tim Stevenson, the former Lord-Lieutenant, was the guest of honour at the service and unveiling of the Memorial Bell in Carterton. It is in the Memorial Garden on Norton Way, which the cortege passes through. The Memorial Garden was designed by a group of local people including members of the Royal British Legion, community representatives from Brize Norton and Carterton, and current and retired military personnel.
At the centre of the garden is a flag pole where the Union Flag from Royal Wootton Bassett is flown on days repatriations take place.
Cadets
The Lord-Lieutenant has at least four cadets from each of the different units within the forces. Her cadets change annually and are commissioned in to their position at the Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards Ceremony each autumn. To become one of Oxfordshire’s cadets visit the Oxford Cadets website.
photo: Stewart Turkington Photography
Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards
The Lord-Lieutenant holds an annual awards ceremony recognising exceptional service by members of the Reserve Forces and cadets.
photo: Stewart Turkington Photography